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Both the Governor-General and the Prime Minister have called on New Zealanders to remember the sacrifices Anzac troops made in Gallipoli during World War 1.
The Governor-General, Anand Satyanand, said on Anzac Day especially there was an ongoing duty to remind ourselves of the soldiers' character and sacrifice.
"These servicemen endured huge hardship so that we could live in New Zealand on our terms. In many towns is a memorial to those who fought for our freedom and who, in doing so, lost their lives.
"These are people who gave up a future -- all their potential as members of our communities, and the simple rights we all have to eat a meal at a familiar table, to comfort a crying child, to walk in the dusk with a dog."
Mr Satyanand said Anzac Day was a good time to think of their sacrifice, and of the sacrifice of those who were waiting at home for them.
"We who have the privilege of living should now keep in our hearts an awareness of the price that others paid on our behalf.
"Let us make this day truly one of remembrance of the costs of war, and gratitude and respect for peace."
Mr Satyanand and his wife Susan attend the dawn service at the Cenotaph in Wellington and the national wreathlaying ceremony at the national War Memorial later in the morning.
Prime Minister Helen Clark echoed his sentiments.
"To those who endured what must so often have seemed unendurable; who had to summon courage when so often they must have felt fear; who had to sacrifice their own aspirations to the larger claims of warfare; we owe our gratitude."
The PM acknowledged the increasing numbers of people commemorating Anzac Day here and overseas.
"This year, for the first time, the day will be marked at the New Zealand Memorial in London."
She said New Zealand's role on the battlefield in distant parts of the world had a big impact on New Zealand families and communities.
"Think of Gallipoli, of the indescribable horror of the Battle of Passchendaele in Belgium, which took place 90 years ago, and of so many other offshore deployments ."
Ms Clark said New Zealanders owed the soldiers our "commitment to peace and peacemaking in the world".
Meanwhile returned servicemen from Korea living in Auckland are to join Anzac Day parades today for the first time in New Zealand history, National Party Ethnic Affairs spokeswoman Pansy Wong said.
"The relationship between Korea and New Zealand began when the Korean War broke out in 1950.
"Kiwi soldiers, otherwise known as the 'K Force', arrived in Korea on New Year's Eve in 1950 and began battle in 1951."
Mrs Wong said since then soldiers from both countries had maintained a close relationship that would be reflected on during Anzac commemorations.
- NZPA
